Hearing loss affects more than just hearing. It is not just a hearing impairment, it is in fact a communication disability. It affects how you relate to others and impacts your overall wellbeing.
Hearing loss is an ever-present stressor that requires continual adjustment for each speaker, place or situation experienced on any given day. It can negatively impact family dynamics, academic and work environments, performance expectations and social pressures. It commonly leads to stress, anxiety and avoidance behaviours.
Hearing loss is an invisible handicap. It is out of sight and out of mind; hence, is often dismissed by others. When we see someone wearing glasses, we automatically have an idea as to what they need to see, and if we are observant, the thickness of their glasses gives us an idea of degree of vision loss. Social stigma means people with hearing loss often hide their hearing loss, hide their hearing aids or won’t wear hearing devices that can help.
‘Blindness cuts us from things, but deafness cuts us from people.’ Helen Keller.
Take Control Of What You Can
An essential part of dealing with hearing loss is recognising (and accepting) that it can be stressful, rather than trying to deny it or avoid it. Learning effective communication skills can help with reducing the number of stressful moments. Knowing what we can control and accepting what we cannot is also an effective stress management strategy: ‘Grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.’
Teachable Moments for Effective Communication
Be your own ambassador. The more people know and understand about your hearing loss, the more effective communication can be for everyone involved.
Generally, it is safe to assume that most people know little (if anything at all) about hearing loss and its impact on communication. Often people are embarrassed about asking someone about their impairment or needs. By being brave and open about what you need, it spares the other party the embarrassment to ask you, and it lowers their stress levels as well as yours.
The stigma and embarrassment associated with hearing loss often prevents people from being open about their hearing loss. Unfortunately, the communication difficulties from hearing loss often gives others the wrong impression of being aloof, rude, even slow-witted. It begs the question, do you rather be misunderstood or just be hard of hearing?
Making Choices
A key to living with hearing loss is recognising our ability to make choices, and thus have a sense of control. In this manner, we can reduce feelings of powerlessness.
Our choices can include:
- Avoidance: We can choose to avoid situations that are difficult or uncomfortable. However, we must recognise that this is ideally a short-term or temporary coping strategy, that negatively impacts our social life and isolates us in the long-run. For example, opt-out of going to a social dinner with friends.
- Find alternatives: This option allows for compromises that allows us to remain engaged in life whilst positively managing our hearing loss. For example, suggest a quiet venue or quieter trading times at the chosen venue. Request a quieter table to the side away from the main hustle and bustle of the restaurant activity.
- Acceptance: Practice the grace to accept that there will be situations that are difficult and even uncomfortable for us. For example, attending a special birthday event because it is important for us to be there with our friends and family, though it may be challenging to communicate.
One of the best ways to live with hearing loss is self-advocacy, and not sweating the small stuff. Getting into the habit of mentally preparing for social events and educating others about your hearing loss can positively support your communication needs. Most importantly, be patient and compassionate with yourself, and schedule time to recuperate after events that are demanding.
Take the crucial step towards understanding your hearing and listening needs with Holistic Audiology. Our comprehensive and holistic approach is designed to address your unique communication challenges. Schedule an appointment today and let us guide you towards clearer, more connected hearing.